Water quality might not be good, either.

@the reel ess that's what I was fearing.. as I'd like to see it get even bigger. Guess I'll have to wait til spring to see if she makes it . I guess northern strain does mean it's old if its big. But I know for sure that if its old doesn't mean it's big. Pretty sure it has to do with genetics and environment. The pond is 12 years old now . And hasn't been stocked any since the first year. So she's probably on her last leg. It's a healthy pond tho.  A real joy for me 

Also @J Francho I think our spawning schedules might run a little different In southern Ohio (almost Kentucky) than in NY? No? 

I caught a bass last week with a bloody tail on lake Livingston in south Texas. Sometimes fish spawn early or late.